Luxol St Andrews held by Dobovek in UEFA Futsal Champions League opener

Luxol St Andrews opened their commitments in the UEFA Futsal Champions League when they were held by Slovenian side Dobovek 1-1 at the University Sports Hall.

It was a frustrating outcome for the Malta champions who were in front for much of the match and were pegged back following a lapse of concentration in a set-piece situation.

But it was still an important point for Luxol who will be bidding to claim their first win of the tournament on Thursday when they face Hovocubo.

The Dutch side were off to a tough start on Wednesday when they were beaten by European champions Barcelona 6-1.

Luxol enjoyed a very positive start as inside the first seven minutes of the first half they forged ahead.

Brazilian Maikinho managed to move past his marker and hit a low drive that rolled into the net.

After that early breakthrough Luxol continued to show the better play and had several opportunities to extend their advantage but was denied by some fine saves from Dobovek goalkeeper Marko Pecek.

Early in the second half, Maikinho almost set up the second goal when he teed up Dejan Bizjak who fired wide in front of a gaping goal.

Dobovec piled up the pressure on Luxol in the second half and skipper Rok Modej was unlucky to see his shot deflected by Luxol goalkeeper Celio onto the upright.

The Slovenians managed to draw level when they were awarded a free-kick and Klemen Ducksak took a quick that completely surprised the Luxol defence.

Veve almost won it for Luxol at the death but was denied by Pecek as the stalemate prevailed.